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Camellia williamsii Freedom Bell

Camellia x williamsii 'Freedom Bell'

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Freedom Bell is an evergreen, floriferous, compact and vigorous camellia, valued for its carmine-red, single to semi-double, bell-shaped flowers which bloom from December to March. It is a reliable variety, easy to grow in an acidic, humus-bearing, moist but well-drained soil. Hardy to at least -15°C, it thrives in the ground or in a large pot, in a partially shaded position. This cultivar has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
Flower size
7 cm
Height at maturity
1.20 m
Spread at maturity
1 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time February to May
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Description

Camellia × williamsii ‘Freedom Bell’ is distinguished by its single to semi-double, carmine red flowers in the shape of a small bell, which bloom abundantly throughout winter. This naturally dense and generous, evergreen shrub is easy to grow in an acidic soil bed as well as in a large pot. Renowned as robust, hardy and floriferous, it is recommended for amateur gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow red camellia.

A member of the Theaceae family, ‘Freedom Bell’ belongs to the Camellia × williamsii group. These are hybrids from C. japonica and C. saluenensis, a line initiated in Cornwall at the beginning of the 20th century. This cultivar is a sowing selected by Nuccio’s Nurseries (Altadena, California): its first flowering was observed in the early 1960s, and it was officially registered with the American Camellia Society in 1979. Its cultivar name is inspired by the campanulate shape of its flowers.
This evergreen, upright shrub with dense branching exhibits fairly rapid growth for a camellia. At 10 years old, in open ground, it commonly reaches 1.20 m in height and 1 m in width; under very favourable conditions, its height can approach 2 m. The small, pointed leaves are a glossy dark green. The 6-8 cm diameter flowers are most often semi-double, composed of a layer of petals surrounding a cluster of yellow stamens. The flowering period extends from December to March in a mild oceanic climate, and from February to April in a cooler climate.
The root system is superficial, clustered, very branching, adapted to acidic soils, rich in organic matter, which remain moist but well-drained. Its hardiness is rated to −15 °C. This variety has received the Award of Garden Merit (RHS).

Place ‘Freedom Bell’ near an entrance or terrace to enjoy its winter flowering, as a specimen in an acidic soil bed or as a low screen along a light-coloured wall. Its compact size suits small gardens and large pots. Pair it with fine-textured evergreen bushes that highlight its beautiful red flowers: Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire', Kalmia latifolia 'Zébulon', Rhododendron 'Fragrantissimum' (white and fragrant) or Japanese Azalea 'Palestrina'.

Note: unlike rhododendrons, camellias tolerate pot cultivation very well, including non-dwarf varieties. Their compact, tufted root system is content with a fairly restricted space, provided it is fed and watered regularly (with non-calcareous water).

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Camellias: planting, pruning and care
Family sheet
by Olivier 15 min.
Camellias: planting, pruning and care
Read article

Camellia williamsii Freedom Bell in pictures

Camellia williamsii Freedom Bell (Flowering) Flowering
Camellia williamsii Freedom Bell (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.20 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Habit irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour red
Flowering time February to May
Flower size 7 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Camellia

Species

x williamsii

Cultivar

'Freedom Bell'

Family

Theaceae

Botanical synonyms

Camellia japonica 'Freedom Bell'

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference250361

Planting and care

Camellia 'Freedom Bell' tolerates full sun (non-scorching) in favourable climates, such as in northern Atlantic regions, but it will be at its best in partial shade, protected from scorching sun and sheltered from strong winds. Plant it in moist, humus-bearing, acidic, fertile and well-drained soil. Do not plant too deeply; the top of the root ball should be covered by 3 cm. In winter, cover it with a 5 to 7 cm thick mulch formed of leaf mould and shredded bark. Beware of late frosts, which can damage the flowers and buds. During dry periods, water the bush (preferably with non-calcareous water) to prevent bud drop. It is best to plant the camellia in autumn to encourage good rooting and better flowering from the first year. Possible diseases include: chlorosis caused by excess lime, brown spots caused by scorching on leaves in full south exposure, sooty mould, scale insects and vine weevils.

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€17.50

Planting period

Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Small gardens, Container, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, well-drained

Care

Pruning instructions Pruning is not essential but can be carried out just after flowering, before the emergence of new spring shoots, and sparingly. Most camellia hybrids do not recover from overly severe pruning.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time April to May
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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